We took a short break, but guess who’s back! The Start Anywhere series is back and we have another great episode for you!
Have you heard about stories where someone started a business almost by accident? There was no big plan beforehand, no thought-out brand name. Something just happened and it ended up working out. Well, we have another story for you. Let’s get into episode 4 of Start Anywhere, Next Case.
Entrepreneurship success stories often revolve around meticulously crafted business plans, market analyses and calculated risks. But sometimes, the most remarkable ones emerge from unexpected beginnings. Meet Covenant, Founder and CEO of Next Case, an entrepreneur who defied the traditional norms of business initiation, proving that great ventures can sprout from the simplest of nudges.
The Genesis of an Idea
Back in university, Covenant was known as the girl that always had cool, fun and unique phone cases. Her cases and other phone accessories were a reflection of her personality and she loved it. Her fellow students used to ask her to help them buy cases whenever she bought hers, and asked for recommendations. This went on for a while until one day, her friend asked her: “Why don’t you turn this thing you do into a business? You’re already helping people buy them.” And thus, an idea was born.
The Nudge That Sparked It All
Covenant thought about it; this could be a good idea. She does all this already, why not make money off it? Her friend (without her knowledge) helped her set up the business account and all details, and even chose the name: Next Case. The more she thought about it, the more she got excited by all the possibilities. She looked at her friend and smiled. To be honest, we all need friends like this.
The Journey of Unplanned Beginnings
With no business plan in hand and minimal experience in e-commerce, Covenant took her first step into the world of entrepreneurship. Now that her interest had been sparked, she started off with a few designs, invested in a small inventory and cautiously launched her business, selling on social media platforms: Instagram, WhatsApp and Twitter (at the time).
The initial response was far beyond her expectations. Friends in university, family members and other people in her circle praised her work and supported her by buying from her. Soon, word had spread organically through referrals and social media shares, and after some time, Next Case was known as “the plug for your phone cases and accessories”.
I kind of have a niche for myself. Some people have preferences, and that was why I branched into custom made cases.
Covenant Uchebudike, Founder and CEO of Next Case
Although she blew up on Instagram, she eventually found out about Flutterwave Store and decided that that was the best way to take her business online and make it more professional – and she was right! Since opening her Store in 2021, she has been able to better organise her orders and deliveries, streamline all operations and collect payments from customers without having to chat directly to them. All of this was achieved without her having to create a website from scratch. Today, she has successfully completed 565 orders on her Flutterwave Store! 🎉
Nurturing Growth Through Adaptation
As orders for Next Case started pouring in, Covenant faced some challenges that she hadn’t anticipated. Fulfillment logistics, customer inquiries and inventory management demanded her attention. Rather than being deterred, she embraced these hurdles as opportunities to learn and grow.
Covenant’s commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences set her apart. She engaged with her customers on a personal level, ensuring that each phone case told a unique story. This personal touch resonated deeply with them, transforming them into loyal advocates for her brand.
From Niche to Mainstream
What began as a small venture driven by curiosity and a nudge from a friend had now transformed into a thriving business. Covenant’s once-unplanned journey was now gaining momentum. She expanded her product range to include tablet cases, laptop sleeves, pop sockets and other accessories, tapping into a broader market. Her business had gone from niche to mainstream, all without a formal business plan.
The Takeaway: Small Beginnings, Big Success
Covenant’s journey stands as a testament to the fact that you don’t always need a grand plan to start a successful business. Sometimes, a simple push from a friend and a willingness to take a leap of faith is enough to set a remarkable journey in motion. Her story is an encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace the unknown, follow their passions and adapt along the way. Watch the full video here.
In a world where entrepreneurship is often portrayed as a series of calculated steps, Covenant’s story is a refreshing reminder that the unplanned path can lead to extraordinary destinations. So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to pursue an idea just because it lacks a comprehensive plan, remember Covenant’s story and let that nudge be the push you need to embark on your own journey of unplanned success.